The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.
Former Champion's Response
The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.
"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."
Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.
Investigation Details
The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."
"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later declared dead by a medic."
Chess World Response
Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".
Naroditsky's Legacy
A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.
Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.
Official Responses
The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.
Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".
"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."
Family's Hope
Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us".
- In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
- Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
- In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
- Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.
